The building is quite unique because it's one of the oldest brick structures, and it overlooks a massive courtyard... but the courtyard is completely hidden from the street. The building was built in the 1880's when Victoria was undergoing prosperity with the gold rush, so it definitely has that wild western feel to the structure! There are a few entrances into Market Square, but they're not obvious... and it's certainly not obvious that there's a courtyard until you find yourself through the entrance. When you do, it feels as if you've accidentally stumbled upon a hidden secret!

While many shops are located on the ground level, other shops are located upstairs where you have to walk through a series of staircases and elevated decks to enter. The stores tend to be locally-owned boutiques featuring a variety of arts, crafts, toys, interior decorating, jewellery, and even food.

Some of my favourites at Market Square include:

Jamaican Patty Wagon - It's a small Jamaican take-out shop in the north-west corner of the market. I ate some of the best tasting jerk chicken while I last visited. They also sell things like Jamaican beef patties. I'd definitely return for some more jerk chicken!

Beadworld - I don't do much beadwork, but the shop's always cool to browse through.

Also worth noting for those that might have visited Market Square in the past, for a while, a really cool t-shirt store called Utopia was located here, but they've since moved down to Government Street.

Address:560 Johnson Street, VictoriaDirections:Located on the block between Johnson St and Pandora St, and between Government St and Wharf St, in the heart of downtown Victoria.othercontact: info@marketsquare.caPhone:(250) 386-2441Website:http://www.marketsquare.ca